International Plastic Modelers' Society / USA

International Plastic Modelers' Society / USA

IPMS/USA

IPMS/USA

Scale Aircraft Conversions (who goes by SAC most of the time) produces white metal replacement landing gear sets for a plethora of planes in all scales. In the case of this review, the gear being reviewed are for the 1/32 Zoukei Mura Ta-152H-1. The...

Landing Page Reviews - Sun, 02/01/2026 - 00:00

Scale Aircraft Conversions (who goes by SAC most of the time) produces white metal replacement landing gear sets for a plethora of planes in all scales. In the case of this review, the gear being reviewed are for the 1/32 Zoukei Mura Ta-152H-1. The parts inside include both main landing gear legs as well as the retraction cylinders and oleo struts for each leg. Also included are the rear tail wheel component and its bracket. All are cast in white metal with no seams per se and are well done. As with many SAC retraction struts, mine were a little warped out of the package but easily straightened.

Academy’s newest kit is a wonderful version of the B-2A Spirit in 1/144 scale. This is a great scale for this aircraft as it is a large plane. Looking inside the box, you will find four perfectly crisp gray sprues with no flash and minimal mold lines....

Landing Page Reviews - Sun, 02/01/2026 - 00:00

Academy’s newest kit is a wonderful version of the B-2A Spirit in 1/144 scale. This is a great scale for this aircraft as it is a large plane. Looking inside the box, you will find four perfectly crisp gray sprues with no flash and minimal mold lines. One clear sprue is included and also a precut masking set for the canopy and a large decal sheet. Markings and stencils are included for a single plane with five choices:

  • B-2A, SN 89-1028, Spirit of Nebraska, 2023
  • B-2A, SN 82-1068, Spirit of New York, 2022
  • B-2A, SN 82-1067, Spirit of Arizona, 2024
  • B-2A, SN 88-0328, Spirit of Texas, 2023
  • B-2A, SN 82-1070, Spirit of Ohio, 2020

Kinetic F-16 48076 / 48010

Forums - Sat, 01/31/2026 - 15:36
What are the odds of finding a Kinetic 48076 F-16C/D Block 52+ Polish Air Force Advanced Viper or Kinetic 48010 F-16D Polish Air Force Advanced Viper

WWII USAF AMBULANCE in 1/50

Forums - Sat, 01/31/2026 - 11:26
Hi ! Here some SOLIDO 1/50 DIE CAST , I have updated for my future airfield diorama ..If you like toi view more pics , I have set-up an GOOGLE page for the, just follow this link : https://photos.app.goo.gl/Sfrbv4rd1mMuZzrr8 Enjoy Jmarc

Curse of KaRNSTEIN

Forums - Sat, 01/31/2026 - 11:14
Just completed and set up display (less name label) for this double bust from Ignis Art. The back drop is the amin lobby of the Wisteriahurst Museum in Holyoke MA edited in Lightroom.

MGPC Episode 116 - "How do you organize your bench?"

ModelGeek's Podcast - Sat, 01/31/2026 - 08:00

Welcome to Episode 116 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!   

After a bit of banter, we share what is happening in our modeling world.  Our Mail Call for this episode is mostly about the last episode, and we expand a bit on the topic of social anxiety and situational extrovert.  We then put a spotlight on on some of our listener's submissions to either the Listener Gallery or the Model Shack.  We then mention shows through the month of February.  After the Hobby shop shout out we conduct our Patreon Giveaway.  Then we discuss the main topic, "How do you organize your bench?"

We would like to thank all our listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show. We hope to see you out and about as we hit show circuit. If you happen to see us at a show come on over and say hello, we may even put you in front of the mic!

If you can't make it to the shows then you can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and of course email at:

contact@modelgeekspodcast.com 

Also remember to surf over to the Geeks homepage at https://modelgeekspodcast.com.  While there you can buy some gedunk and subscribe for updates from the Geeks.  Take a look at the Listener Gallery, and if you’d like your work there, send us the photos at contact@modelgeekspodcast.com  

Make sure you check out our group / community on Facebook:

The ModelGeeks Model Shack

Get on there and feel free to share your work! We want to see what’s on your bench.

We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have them. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.

Furball Aero-Design

Detail & Scale

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Hypersonic Models

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We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.

Blogs:

The Kit Box 

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Model Airplane Maker 

Inch High Guy

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Model Geeks Podcast

Categories: Podcast

OTB 230: Hello 2026!!

On the Bench Podcast - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 23:56

It's 2026 and the boys are back with their first episode of the year!

Categories: Podcast

For sale or trade

Forums - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 22:17
1/48 Hasegawa Weapons D- U.S. Smart Bombs & Target Pods 36008 Box open, sprues sealed $15.00 - OBO + shipping 1/48 Hasegawa F-16D Block 52 Plus Hellenic Air Force Box, sprues open, but complete $15.00 - OBO + shipping Did not come with kit decals or instructions, but does have printed Polish & Hellenic Air Force instructions and Techmod 1/48 POLISH F-16 Block 52+ decals OR trade both for one Trade list: 1/48 Mig 21U (No Eduard or OEZ) 1/48 Mig 21MF (No Eduard or OEZ) 1/48 Mig 21BIS (No Eduard or OEZ) !/48 Mig 19P/PF 1/48 SU series Polish AF 1/35 T-54/55 1/35 T-62 1962 1/35 T-72 - prefer Tamiya I'm in Texas Email t55mbt@outlook.com or message Billy

Academy 1/48 scale TOW Defender 500D

Forums - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 11:11
For my next build I will be building the Academy 1/48 scale TOW Defender 500D and using the kit decals for the Israeli Ai Force. This kit does lack some details so there will be some scratch building of the missing details. I started off with the pod for the nose. The kit does not provide any details under the lens so I used some styrene to make the inside panel. I used a reference photo to replicate the panel. I then assembled the TOW missile launchers that mount on the sides of the fuselage. The reference photos show cabling from the fuselage thru the wing and into the pod. The kit does not provide this detail but I will add them later once they are mounted to the fuselage. Next I started working on the cockpit and interior. The bulkheads have no details on them. I used some photo etch pieces to add the details. It looks like the inside of the fuselage halves will also need a lot of work due to the large mold marks. Switching over to the cockpit side I added seatbelts to the seats. One big detail that is missing is the cyclic control stick. I used some styrene rod and photo etch to replicate them. The instrument panel has no raised details and a very basic decal is supplied for the panel as well as the center console. I found some nice reference photos and created my own decals of them. The kit foot pedals were huge so I trim them down. I am going to wait to install the instrument panel until after the interior id mounted inside the fuselage. I am currently working on the indie of the fuselage halves. Once the mold marks are corrected I need to use some styrene to replicate the inside ribbing. You can see all the photos and details from the start in the build log at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-tow-defender-500d-helicopter/

Preview: MiniArt offers a new special edition bulldozer.

The Modelling News - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 05:13
MiniArt has combined their D7 bulldozer with a crew to work it in their latest special edition. We look at plastic layout, art, decals, profiles & the real things in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Newbie here from SoCal

Forums - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 02:51
Hello Gentlemen and Ladies Trying to restart my love and passion for model building, now that I’m retired and have slowed down a little with Wifey’s "sweetie let’s go here…" I’m really looking forward to joining a chapter meeting people and attending one of the big conventions. My interest has been cars, old and new, military Jets, and modern 1:35 military. Right now I’m working on a LE figures and diorama. THANK YOU for letting me come hangout Eugene

From the Introduction,In battle, the artillery has always had two roles. In defence, its purpose is to destroy the impetus of the enemy’s attacks, and in attack, its task is to destroy the enemy’s will to resist. Just that. And whether you consider the...

Landing Page Reviews - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 00:00

From the Introduction,

In battle, the artillery has always had two roles. In defence, its purpose is to destroy the impetus of the enemy’s attacks, and in attack, its task is to destroy the enemy’s will to resist. Just that. And whether you consider the medieval wars or the Napoleonic wars or the great wars that followed them, those two tasks have remained.

– General Sir Thomas Lovett Morony, KCB, OBE, Master Gunner, St James Park (1985)

The author, Wen Jian Chung continues,

Michael John Claringbould hit another home run (the pun works with both baseball and cricket) with this latest addition to the Pacific Profile series. Night fighters grew out of necessity and are rarely noted, much less written about. This book fills...

Landing Page Reviews - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 00:00

Michael John Claringbould hit another home run (the pun works with both baseball and cricket) with this latest addition to the Pacific Profile series. Night fighters grew out of necessity and are rarely noted, much less written about. This book fills that void in great and interesting detail. From the Introduction,

Welcome to the diverse world of Pacific War night fighters. This volume focuses on their markings and insignia, mostly under-represented to date with the exception of the P-61 Black Widow series. In addition to the P-61, other types illustrated include the P-70 series Nighthawk, the P-38 Lightning, the B-25 Mitchell, the F4U-2 Corsair, and the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura. Three other miscellaneous types associated with the night fighter program are illustrated in the final chapter.

Ian Baxter is a respected historian and an author I actively seek out for his insight and amazing photographs for World War II. This book continues its amazing legacy, does not disappoint, and is worth the price for the photographs alone.Following the...

Landing Page Reviews - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 00:00

Ian Baxter is a respected historian and an author I actively seek out for his insight and amazing photographs for World War II. This book continues its amazing legacy, does not disappoint, and is worth the price for the photographs alone.

Following the familiar Pen & Sword Images of War series is the story of Tanks and Armour in Ukraine 1941–1944. Each chapter starts with a brief history of the topic covered, followed by a lot of photographs to complement the text.

This book is composed of the following:

Super Model International No. 4 is the fourth installment in Kagero's series combining ‘how to’ information with a ‘showcase gallery’ of armor models in diorama settings. The publication is sub-titled: “Polish Steel, vol.2” and includes reviews of four...

Landing Page Reviews - Fri, 01/30/2026 - 00:00

Super Model International No. 4 is the fourth installment in Kagero's series combining ‘how to’ information with a ‘showcase gallery’ of armor models in diorama settings. The publication is sub-titled: “Polish Steel, vol.2” and includes reviews of four armor models all featuring world-class builds from Polish modelers:

Preview: Italeri's full 2026 catalogue release...

The Modelling News - Thu, 01/29/2026 - 06:26
We see the full catalogue for 2026 today from Italeri. We add it to our earlier sneak peek at some of their new (& re-released) items featured today in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Michael John Claringbould hit another home run (the pun works with both baseball and cricket) with this latest addition to the Pacific Profile series. Night fighters grew out of necessity and are rarely noted, much less written about. This book fills...

Landing Page Reviews - Thu, 01/29/2026 - 00:00

Michael John Claringbould hit another home run (the pun works with both baseball and cricket) with this latest addition to the Pacific Profile series. Night fighters grew out of necessity and are rarely noted, much less written about. This book fills that void in great and interesting detail. From the Introduction,

“Welcome to the diverse world of Pacific War night fighters. This volume focuses on their markings and insignia, mostly under-represented to date with the exception of the P-61 Black Widow series. In addition to the P-61, other types illustrated include the P-70 series Nighthawk, the P-38 Lightning, the B-25 Mitchell, the F4U-2 Corsair and the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura. Three other miscellaneous types associated with the night fighter program are illustrated in the final chapter.”

I guess the most important thing to keep in mind about this review item is that it is designed and fitted for the 20 plus year old 1/48 Mauve/Eduard kit and the similarly aged Academy P-40N/M. This aftermarket set is not intended for the new 2025...

Landing Page Reviews - Thu, 01/29/2026 - 00:00

I guess the most important thing to keep in mind about this review item is that it is designed and fitted for the 20 plus year old 1/48 Mauve/Eduard kit and the similarly aged Academy P-40N/M. This aftermarket set is not intended for the new 2025 Eduard P-40 N and possibly forthcoming M.

The Eduard P-51Ds are excellence in plastic. They are beautiful plastic kits, but the landing gear is a little fragile. Enter Kazan Model Dynamics, with their HybridCAST sets. What does HybridCAST mean? There is an aluminum rod surrounded by resin...

Landing Page Reviews - Wed, 01/28/2026 - 00:00

The Eduard P-51Ds are excellence in plastic. They are beautiful plastic kits, but the landing gear is a little fragile. Enter Kazan Model Dynamics, with their HybridCAST sets. What does HybridCAST mean? There is an aluminum rod surrounded by resin pieces. This gives you superior strength along with the superior details offered by resin.

Packaged in a top opening stiff card stock box with plenty of foam to protect the parts. The instructions are printed on a single-sided sheet. This particular set has 20 resin pieces, but what sets these apart is the inclusion of aluminum tubing INSIDE the strength critical parts such as the landing gear struts and the actuator rods.

Finding helicopter crew member figures, especially in 1/48th scale has been like finding hen's teeth. Thankfully, ICM has listened, and provided modelers with some great figures in this scale. Finally, we have a modern helicopter crew in 1/48. These...

Landing Page Reviews - Wed, 01/28/2026 - 00:00

Finding helicopter crew member figures, especially in 1/48th scale has been like finding hen's teeth. Thankfully, ICM has listened, and provided modelers with some great figures in this scale. Finally, we have a modern helicopter crew in 1/48. These are the most recent US Army helicopter pilots and crew.

Packaged in a really sturdy top opening cardboard box with the artwork on a sleeve that fits over it protects the entire contents from anything short of fire or a trash compactor. Inside you’ll find a single sprue of light grey plastic that contains 32 beautiful parts for THREE figures.